COVID-19 Resources

April 16, 2020

Today, Governor Tony Evers extended the “Safer at Home” order from April 24 to May 26, 2020 (). This order includes the closure of all Wisconsin schools for the remainder of the school year. While this news was anticipated, it is still very difficult for all of us to end the school year in this way.

What does this new order mean for the Hudson School District?

School District students and staff will continue remote learning through the end of the school year.

Further, we will be making a decision on when the Hudson School District will end student instruction for 2019-2020 school year. We look to have that information to families soon.

Additional information will be sent to students and staff on how and when personal items may be picked up at school and when items can be returned.

We are hopeful that summer programming can continue. Adjustments may be needed if restrictions remain in place that limit the number of people who can gather or if state and local officials have additional orders.

We will be sending out a survey to parents in the next week to get feedback on possible changes to the 2020-2021 school calendar.

We know this raises questions about graduation. I am certain our Class of 2020 and their families are feeling a myriad of emotions right now. This is not how you envisioned your senior year to end. No one understands and empathizes with your disappointment more than your teachers and staff across the School District. We have watched you take your first steps into our classrooms, grown to find your purpose, and worked hard to pursue your dreams. We are proud of each and everyone of you. We do not see a path to having a face to face graduation on the originally scheduled June 6th date. We are working on a variety of plans for holding a graduation ceremony in some format at a date yet to be determined. We are really hoping to be able to have some type of face to face graduation before the end of the summer.

We are all saddened by the need to end the school year in this way. We do believe, however, that this is the right decision given all of the information that we have received from health experts and state officials. Please know that the health and safety of our students and staff is paramount. We believe finishing this school year through remote learning is one of the most effective ways in which we can do our part to avoid exposing anyone to unnecessary risk.

Sincerely,

Nick Ouellette, PhD.

Superintendent

April 14, 2020

As we head into the fourth week of the school closure, I would like to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has stepped up over the past several weeks to support the students, staff, and families of the Hudson School District. It has been extremely encouraging to see our community, businesses, and organizations come together during this time of crisis.

Even while our buildings are closed, work behind the scenes continues. Our teachers are preparing online learning opportunities and resources for their students, working to keep our young people as engaged as possible. Our Instructional Technology team has ensured students and teachers have the tools necessary for making remote learning a success. Our School Age Care program provides much needed care for our health care professionals and first responders. Nutrition Services has served meals to any family in need Monday through Friday. Facilities and Grounds staff continue to maintain our school buildings and provide the extra cleaning required in School Age Care. Many others who support our daily operations.

To our teachers, counselors and principals, we sincerely appreciate all your efforts to check in with students, your ongoing work to provide quality remote learning experiences, and the extra care you have given to make sure everyone is doing OK. Your students and families will continue to turn to you for guidance and a sense of normalcy as we move forward.

To our families, thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked to serve the educational needs of your children. We know the school closure has been incredibly challenging. Please know that we are thinking about you and are here to help.

To our community, thank you for reaching out and working to help everyone during this challenging situation. Everything from calling to ask how you can help the School District to keeping a watchful eye on our buildings while we are closed. None of these things go unnoticed.

I want to share a resource that has been developed by a group of community-oriented individuals called the Hudson Community Coronavirus Response website (HCCR). The HCCR is a hub for those looking for ways to volunteer and for those looking for resources or help. Powered by the Rotary Clubs of Hudson, this volunteer group of community leaders is creating connections between our nonprofits and those who can serve. Please take a moment to visit the site if you are looking for help or looking to provide help to others.

Please remember during these challenging times we will persevere. We will make it through to the other side of this pandemic. I know the news is filled with some pretty scary images of what is going on as we fight this virus. As I think of how scary this is not only for me, but also for my kids that may be watching, I think of the quote by Mr. Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” There are always people willing to help. Make sure to remember to look for the helpers and to remind our kids to keep looking. For the compassion of others; is the positive that comes out of such a negative situation.

Sincerely,

Nick Ouellette, PhD.

Superintendent

April 6, 2020

We are nearing the 10 day mark of our remote learning. Everyone – students, parents, and staff – should stop for a moment and celebrate the successes big and small in transitioning to this new normal. You are all working hard to meet the challenge of moving from a regular school schedule to a learning environment that feels far from normal. Teachers are learning new ways to connect with their students. Parents have taken on the Herculean task of work, supporting their child’s learning, and managing a household with extraordinary restrictions. Thank you to our students who continue to persevere and stay focused on school.

Notices for this week:

There will be no instruction on Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13 (Friday is a holiday and Monday is staff professional development).

Nutrition Services will provide extra meals on Thursday to cover both Friday and Monday.

What does the remainder of the school year look like? We know you have a lot of questions. When will classes resume? What about spring athletics? What about prom? Graduation? We hope it becomes more clear in the next couple of weeks what we can expect for the remainder of the school year. As of right now, it is our goal to ensure there is some commencement activity and look for ways to celebrate the important milestones each child has as he/she transitions to the next grade level or graduation.

Please know we are here for you. As you continue to connect remotely, the entire Hudson School District community is here to support, guide, and problem-solve. We will get through this together.

In closing, we want you to know how much we miss seeing your children each day. We also miss the opportunities provided by coming together as a school community. We will continue to provide updates as things change at the federal, state, and local level.

Be well,

Nick Ouellette, PhD.

Superintendent

March 24, 2020

Governor Extends “Safer at Home” Order

Governor Evers announced today that he is extending his “safer at home” order for the next 30 days. This order goes into effect at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25th and will remain in effect until 8:00 AM April 24th.

The Hudson School District will continue to offer remote learning for our students during this extended period. There will be additional information coming from the School District regarding our continued remote learning and expectations for students.

During his press conference yesterday, the Governor stated, “I know the COVID-19 outbreak has been difficult and has disrupted the lives of people across our state. Issuing a Safer at Home order isn’t something I thought we’d have to do and it’s not something I take lightly, but here’s the bottom line: folks need to start taking this seriously. Each and every one of us has to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 so we can flatten the curve to ensure our doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers have the opportunity to do their important work. Let’s all do our part and work together.”

Wisconsin residents must comply with the Governor’s order when they leave their homes. The Governor’s order allows residents to:

Perform tasks essential to maintain health and safety, such as obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor.

Get necessary services or supplies for themselves or their family or household members, such as getting food and supplies, pet food, supplies necessary for staying at home, and gas.

Care for a family member in another household.

Care for older adults, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or other vulnerable persons.

The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:

Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house).

Stay at least six feet away from other people – use social distancing when at the grocery store or other essential businesses.

Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Covering coughs and sneezes.

Avoid touching your face.

Stay home.

We know this extension will cause additional stress for families and staff. There are resources available for people who may need additional support during this time.

The following agencies are offering TeleMentalHealth Services. This means that they are able to meet virtually online. Assistance is available if families do not have insurance to cover this expense.

– 715.808.8070

– 715.441.1828

– 715.808.0607

– 715.629.7047

(mental health financial assistance) – 715.245.0931

Staff may also choose to reach out to the School District’s Employee Assistance Program Counseling & Therapy provided by Family Means – 651.789.4054

The School District greatly appreciates the efforts made by our families to enforce the Governor’s orders. I also extended an enormous thank you to our Raider School community for continuing to provide instruction and services to our families; including our teachers and other certified staff, paraprofessionals, IT, Nutrition Services, Facilities and Grounds, School Age Care, support staff, and leadership team – we are stronger together!

Nick Ouellette, PhD.

Superintendent

March 23, 2020

Hudson Fields, Tennis Courts, Playgrounds, and Parking Lots CLOSED

Governor Evers ordered all schools closed effective March 18, 2020. This closure included all school properties. As Governor Evers calls for all of us to do our part and stay home, we are asking all of you to stay off School District property. This means all School District fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and parking lots are CLOSED.

The Governor is urging people to stop planning sleepovers, play dates, and dinner parties with friends and neighbors. Please refrain from gathering groups of kids together or sharing physical materials between families, including books, notebooks, or any other instructional materials. The longer it takes people to comply with social distancing, the longer we are going to have to do this. Social distancing is critical to reducing the spread of this virus.

Let’s all do our part and work together to keep everyone safe.

March 19, 2020 – 3:30 PM

The Hudson School District has been notified that the confirmed St. Croix County case of COVID-19 is an individual at Hudson High School. The individual was not in the school for over one week prior to the school closing.

Per St. Croix County Public Health, the individual is isolated at home and doing well. Public Health is identifying and contacting anyone that has been in close contact with this individual.

Due to data privacy laws, the School District is not able to provide any additional information that is potentially identifiable.

Sincerely,

Nick Ouellette, PhD.

Superintendent

March 19, 2020

The Hudson School District received the following message from St. Croix County Public Health.

手机体育投注平台COVID-19 Confirmed Case in St. Croix County

Public Health announced today that St. Croix County has its first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. This individual is isolated at home and doing well. Public Health is identifying and contacting anyone that has been in close contact with the positive case.

手机体育投注平台“It is important that St. Croix County residents do not panic but continue to follow recommendations to protect themselves, others, and slow the spread of COVID-19.” said Kelli Engen, St. Croix County Health Officer.

手机体育投注平台With no medicine or vaccines to treat or prevent COVID-19, SCC-Public Health wants everyone to follow these simple steps:

Stay home when sick

Frequent handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds

Cover coughs and sneezes

Avoid touching you face

Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces

Practice social distancing – 6 feet from others

Avoid public gatherings of more than 10 persons, “Public Health and Emergency Management are working together with local, state, and federal partners to implement response plans; but it is important to understand that everyone has a role in reducing the spread of COVID-19.” said Natasha Cardinal, St. Croix County Emergency Manager.

We will notify you with additional information as it becomes available.

March 16, 2020 – 3:30 PM

Dear Hudson Families and Staff,

We understand that Governor Evers held a briefing earlier today that has created some confusion regarding restricting gatherings of 50 or more people. We have connected with our state and local public health agencies and have been told this directive does NOT include schools at this time.

Hudson School District will continue to be open for students on Tuesday, March 17th.

We apologize for the repeated messages. We are working hard to keep everyone up to date as information and guidance changes. As we said earlier, announcements made earlier in the day may change as our information changes. Your patience is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Nick Ouellette, PhD.

Superintendent

March 16, 2020 – 12:00 PM

Dear Hudson Families and Staff,

The Hudson School District continues to review our plan in response to COVID-19. In order to provide families with planning time to set up childcare and protect students, staff and the community, Hudson School District will be closing our schools at the close of Tuesday, March 17th.

The School District has additional information and changes to assist families and staff during this closure. Please read through all of these points.

Remote Learning: Students have received or will be receiving information from their classroom teachers on how to continue learning during this closing. Families should expect to be contacted by classroom teachers in grades K-5 and from their advisors in grades 6-12 weekly during the closure.

Free Meals: Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all children who are in need of meals during the closure. We are setting up meal distribution at the High School. Meals will be available for pick-up between 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Families should drive to the back parking lot where a tent will be set up outside of the loading dock. You do not need to get out of your car.

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Child care for Medical Professionals and First Responders: School Age Care will be open to Hudson School District residents who are medical professionals or first responders. Care will be located at EP Rock Elementary School from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Student medications. If your child has medication at school that he/she may need during the closure, please plan on picking it up before the close of the day Tuesday, March 17th. Medications will NOT be sent home with children.

During this time, we want to emphasize the need for social distancing and good hygiene. Unlike “snow days,” we encourage families to avoid gatherings. These are unprecedented times, and we will get through this together. Please understand this closure is not only to keep students and staff safe, but also to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as seen in other countries around the world.

You can expect regular communication from the School District as we make decisions related to this closure and ongoing instruction and services.

Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate this difficult time. We appreciate your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Nick Ouellette, PhD.

Superintendent

March 13, 2020 – 6:00 PM

March 13, 2020

March 10, 2020

Students or staff who participated in the DI event are generally considered to be at low-risk for being exposed to the COVID手机体育投注平台-19 virus. Attendees are being notified out of an abundance of caution. The recommendations for low-risk individuals are to self-monitor for fever and respiratory illness symptoms, and to self-isolate and contact their local health department or provider if symptoms appear. There is no recommendation for asymptomatic people who had a low risk exposure to quarantine themselves. Anyone considered to be more than low-risk would be contacted individually by their health department for further assessment. Please contact your provider or your local public health department if you have questions or concerns.

March 9, 2020

The Hudson School District has learned a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in Pierce County. It is our understanding that the individual with the confirmed case was present at the recent Destination Imagination(DI) competition this past weekend at Osceola High School. There were Hudson School District students in grades 3-12 at the DI event. Out of an overabundance of caution we are communicating this to you today.

We are unaware of any confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Hudson School District. According to guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), spending time in the same indoor environment as persons known to have COVID-19 is considered to represent a low risk of exposure to the virus. While the risk to others is considered low, we cannot know for sure that there is absolutely no risk.

The Hudson School District has a plan in place to address COVID-19 if it spreads to our staff and students (). As part of this plan, the School District will be following the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wisconsin Department of Health Services, St. Croix County Public Health, and WI Department of Public Instruction.

As confirmed cases are identified closer to our Hudson community, the Hudson School District will closely monitor the health and attendance of our students and staff.

We recognize this may cause anxiety among our families and we will do our best to address your concerns. We are committed to ensuring students are supported with love, compassion, and care.

The CDC provides the following:

While the immediate risk of this new virus is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help respond to this emerging public health threat:

It is currently influenza and respiratory disease season. The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing – throw the tissue away immediately after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your inside elbow area.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95%) hand sanitizer.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.

If you get flu-like symptoms, stay home from school, work, and social gatherings to prevent others from getting ill.

If you have a fever of 100 degrees or above, you should stay home.

Your fever should be gone for a full 24 hours, without using fever-reducing medication, before returning to work.

You can get additional information about coronavirus from the following websites:

Congratulations to the Hudson School District for receiving the 2020 Best Communities for Music Education award. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to school districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

Awards are determined based on annual survey information. Survey questions are aligned with goals for equity and access to music education for all students, and also with national standards for music education. This survey seeks to support communities everywhere that are working to assure music education opportunities for all students. Criteria selection gauges funding, participation, opportunity, standards, community, facilities, and other factors that affect access to comprehensive music education.

Thank you to our Hudson School District music teachers and the many community partners who support music as an essential component of learning in the lives of children!

The Wisconsin School Counselors Association (WSCA) recently announced their Program of Promise Award Winners. Congratulations is extended to our elementary school counselors – Kelly Curtis, Chris Strop, Sarah Flier, and Aria Krieser!

This year, seven school counseling programs received the prestigious Program of Promise award from the Wisconsin Counselor Association (WSCA). Awards were presented to school counselors who met or exceeded the requirements in a submitted Wisconsin School Counselor Accountability Report (WSCPAR) in February 2020.

EP Rock Elementary School (Kelly Curtis) implemented a multi-tiered support approach with staff and students and decreased behavior referrals for students of color by 38%, closing the gap between students of color and white students.

At Hudson Prairie Elementary School (Aria Krieser), 57% of students met their MAP reading targets (who had not met the year prior) after participating in an academic success group facilitated by the school counselor.

The North Hudson Elementary School (Chris Strop) counseling program reduced tardies by 36% for students with excessive attendance concerns.

Willow River Elementary School (Sarah Flier) students gained a total of 11.65 hours of instructional time from counselor intervention due to a decrease in nurse visits.

手机体育投注平台The Program of Promise award is the highest recognition that a comprehensive school counseling program can receive from WSCA. This award is granted to a small number of Wisconsin schools each year. To be considered, the school counselor(s) must submit an accountability report fulfilling stringent data expectations set forth by the Wisconsin School Counselor Association. This peer reviewed report illustrates the impact that the school counseling program has had on the academic, social-emotional and career development of students in the school.

手机体育投注平台Special shout out to Sarah Flier who also received the WI School Counselor of the Year award.

The Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health offers the following information as a guide for families on the topic of screen time ().

“In Wisconsin, adolescents who experience episodes of major depression have steadily increased. At the same time, there has been a growing body of evidence to suggest the amount of screen time usage may initiate or worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce social connectedness, and contribute to poor social and emotional wellness.”

“Parenting the Love and Logic Way” provides parents with practical, easy to use techniques and tools to help children become responsible adults. When parents us “Love and Logic”手机体育投注平台 techniques with children, they are better able to hand the challenges of today’s real world.

Class is being offered at Hudson Prairie Elementary School on Tuesdays, March 10 – April 14 (there is no class the week of spring break). The classes are scheduled from 5:45 – 7:45 PM

Cost for this program is $40/person or $60/couple. The fee includes a “Love and Logic” parent handbook.

Free child care is provided.

手机体育投注平台The class is facilitated by Aria Krieser, school counselor at Hudson Prairie Elementary School, and Chris Strop, school counselor at North Hudson Elementary School.

The Hudson High School Rhinestone Raiders recently visited North Hudson Elementary School and performed for Mrs. Anfinson’s and Mr. Schiltgen’s special education students, as well as fifth graders in Mrs. Brackemyer’s class. Following their performance, the group of high schoolers taught our junior Raiders some dance moves. It was fun to have some former North Hudson Elementary students return and share some time with the young learners.

The Rhinestone Raiders are a Hudson High School club that provides peer-to-peer support for students with disabilities through the shared enjoyment of cheerleading and dance. The group focuses on building confidence, teamwork, perseverance, friendship, inclusion and school spirit.

Local ceramic artist Katie Mattis recently visited North Hudson Elementary School. Katie showed the students some of her ceramic pieces that she made when she was their age, alongside many pieces that she is currently creating. She taught the students about potters wheels, different types of clay, a kiln’s mechanics, how to attach handles, and many other ceramic techniques. She provided each student with a chunk of clay and worked with them step-by-step to create a mini ceramic version that replicates the types of ceramic dishes that she is currently creating in her studio space. She discussed what it means to be an artist and all her future goals as a professional ceramicist.

Thank you Katie Mattis for teaching our North Hudson students that we are all great artists!

Hudson schools challenge students to be informed, caring contributors to our world through challenging academics, critical thinking, purposeful collaboration, applied innovation and global stewardship. As one of Wisconsin’s high performing school districts, serving over 5,500 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, our core vision is to prepare each student for post-secondary success.